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WHO North Kivu Crisis Situation Report No. 15

The latest information on WHO, health partners and health
needs during the current crisis in North Kivu:

Main points

10 000 displaced families leave Kiwanja transit camp on rumours of an attack on the camp

Joint UN evaluation mission in Rutshuru

2000 Congolese flee to Uganda

CNDP troops evacuate Rwindi, North Kivu

Situation update

On 19 November, a rumoured armed attack on a transit camp in Kiwanja caused more than 10 000 displaced families to flee towards the town of Rutshuru to seek shelter.

Mai Mai militiamen attacked two armoured MONUC vehicles on patrol in Kibututu, approximately 80 km north of Goma. The UN peacekeeping force returned fire, according to MONUC.

On 19 November, the Health, Logistics and Protection Clusters undertook a joint evaluation mission to Rutshuru. The results have not yet been released. During the mission, WFP prepared for a food distribution and stored 100 tons of food at the MONUC base.

UNHCR reported that 2000 Congolese had passed by Ishasha (south of Lake Albert) on 18 November to take refuge in Uganda. An estimated 14 500 Congolese have taken refuge in Uganda since last August.

The forces of Laurent Nkunda left the locality of Rwindi on 19 November, moving back 40 km on the road axis of North Kivu.

Health situation assessment

Eight new suspected cholera cases were recorded on 19 November in Rutshuru.

Health cluster response

WHO and the Health Cluster have established a regional logistics plan to support humanitarian interventions and distribution of supplies (see diagram).

This plan ensures the distribution of 10 tons of medicines provided by Belgium to the following health zones:

Goma

Karisimbi

Rutshuru

Kirotshe

Mweso

Masisi

Pinga

Walikale

WHO experts continue evaluation activities on the ground and support to medical authorities to reinforce epidemiological monitoring, cleaning of displacement sites, identification and filling of urgent needs.